Maine Dogcation .............. 8

Maine Dogcation

Dog-friendly Maine

If you are planning a trip to Maine or perhaps you live here and are considering a staycation, Maine is one of the more petfriendly states. You’ll find more than 300 dog parks, beaches, and trails, and hundreds of accommodations and stores that will welcome you and your dog.

Our southern Maine region is a mix of rocky coast and some of the most inviting sandy beaches in all the state. You will find a variety of lodging choices, petfriendly activities, and a diverse selection of dining experiences from gourmet to casual takeout, coffee shops and lively brewpubs with outside pet-friendly seating.

When visiting the Portland area, one of Maine’s top vacation destinations, you might find one of your biggest challenges will be deciding what to see and do first. Take your pup on a delightful harbor cruise to view the lighthouses, enjoy a foodie tour, shop at one of the many area pet stores or visit a dogfriendly brewery. Portland and its surrounding towns are home to several luxury hotels, small B&B’s, medium sized inns and larger hotels. Many now welcoming pets.

If boating is what you prefer, there is no better region to explore than the Midcoast. Unlike the sandy shores of Southern Maine, Midcoast Maine offers a rockier coastline. There are excursion boats of all shapes and sizes, from schooners to lobster boats and some will allow you to bring Fido along. You will also find many of dog-friendly places to hike, varying from a simple one hour walk to a day trip or overnight adventure.

If you really want to get away, consider a trip to the Maine Highlands. About five hours from Portland, you will find yourself in the ultimate wilderness. Enjoy a visit to Moosehead Lake. This giant lake is 40 miles long and 10 miles wide. There are many outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, hunting and fishing. This region offers are variety of charming resorts, lodges, cabins, B&B’s, cottages and hotels.

The Downeast region which includes Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are well known for their pet-friendliness and have much to offer travelers and their furry companions. Dogs are allowed on most of the 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage trails however there are some where they are not permitted for safety reasons. You can walk, hike and bike just about anywhere.

Western Maine is vast in size and has dozens of lakes, rivers and ponds that provide opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. It is here that you will find some of Maine’s most picturesque mountains. The resort area of Rangeley consists of 99 percent forest and water, which provides ideal vacations for all four seasons. If you are looking to relax this is the area to choose.

Kennebec Valley, home to the Maine state capital of Augusta, is rich with countryside, waterways, and mountains for hiking, camping, swimming, and boating. In some of the more urban areas you will also find colleges, museums and performing art centers. In the fall this area boasts some of the best foliage the state has to offer.

Aroostook County, know to most Mainers as “The County”, is home to over 3.5 million acres of undeveloped wilderness. There are also over 2,000 lakes, streams and ponds. One of the areas hidden gems is the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle. You also don’t want to miss

Family owned and operated, offering the best of Downeast hospitality at a great price.

The Acadia Sunrise Motel offers our guests & their pets beautiful views of Acadia National Park. Conveniently located close to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Ellsworth and Downeast Maine. 952 Bar Harbor Road Trenton, ME • 207-667-8452 • acadiasunrisemotel.com

Thank you for voting for us for Best Maine Pet Friendly Lodging

4 years in a row!

Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub

BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT BANQUET FACILITY BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT BANQUET FACILITY

Weddings Anniversaries Meetings 6 guest rooms Free Breakfast Free Wifi Pet Friendly

229 Soper Rd., Orland, ME (207) 469-6393 Toll Free (866)459-6393 Maine’s “Million Dollar View.” This scenic byway is eight miles and showcases some of the most beautiful views in eastern Maine. It also provides a significant wildlife viewing area for the moose, eagle, bear, and deer common to this region of the state.

No matter where you decide to explore or which activity/ adventure you choose, please read and follow all posted dog guidelines and be sure to clean up after your dog.

When selecting your accommodations do some research before making your reservation. Each establishment will have their own set of rules. If your daily plans do not allow your dog to come along, then you might also want to investigate a nearby kennel for that period of time.

All of the advertisers that you find in this section are pet friendly and eagerly await a visit from you and your four-legged family member.

For a full list of pet-friendly parks, beaches, and trails, pick up a copy of petMAINE, a statewide resource published in collaboration with Downeast Dog News (to request a copy email: jenn@downeastdognews.com or (207)706-6765).

• OLD ORCHARD BEACH OLD ORCHARD BEACH • • 800-565-4151

Alouette Beach Resort Family

Pets

WELCOME

Limit of 2 for a nightly fee

Open Open Open For The For The Season Season for the Season May 5th

DELUXE GUESTROOMS

Directly on the harbor with spectacular water views (some pet friendly) WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Casual dining featuring fresh Maine seafood OPEN AIR ROOF TOP DECK

Inn, Restaurant, Lounge & Marina 80 Commercial Street Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04538 207-633-4434

Dogs and wine make life better. Canine friends are always welcome at Catherine Hill Winery!

661 Blackswoods Rd., Cherryfield, ME (207)546-3426 www.cathillwinery.com

Located in the village of Freeport, Maine, the Candlebay Inn is a quaint, dog-friendly bed and breakfast within walking distance to outlet stores and restaurants. 207-865-1868

8 Maple Ave, Freeport, ME 04032 info@candlebaymaine.com candlebaymaine.com

Experience the best of Midcoast Maine at Wiggleswick Cottage in Georgetown!

• Waterfront log home • 3 bed 2 bath sleeps 6 • 200 square foot dock sits on deep water • Dog friendly • No pet fee

Voted Best Maine Pet-friendly Lodging in 2021! littlewhitedogproperties.com hello@littlewhitedogproperties.com

PET FRIENDLY! PET FRIENDLY!OCEAN VIEWS OCEAN VIEWSLODGING & DINING LODGING & DININGBEACH, CLIFF WALKS BEACH, CLIFF WALKS